CW’s British performances of 2011: No. 22

While most of the cycling world was focused on the Tour de France, we had one eye on the future, in the form of Peter Kennaugh.

The young climber from the Isle of Man was riding the Route du Sud in the Pyrenees and finding out, for the first time in his short career, what it takes to ride at the front in the big mountains.

A Belgian, Jurgen Van Goolen, had already flown the nest but Kennaugh was in a group with some very handy climbers, including Sandy Casar. Oh, and Davide Rebellin (hiss, booo – what? It’s panto season isn’t it?)

Over the Col de Menté they went, then they tackled the Port de Balès, which is horribly steep in places, but Kennaugh was in his element. He took the sprint for second place in Luchon and went on to finish third overall.

As indicators go, the Route du Sud has often highlighted who the emerging climbing talents are.